He’s never been keen on the label ‘Britain’s nicest man’ but the accidental globetrotter proves to be just that as he reminisces about Monty Python, burnt toast and dad’s sherry. Interview by Elizabeth Day

Lionel Shriver's new novel is intensely concerned with food, family and obesity. She tells Kate Kellaway about its semi-autobiographical roots, the class divide over eating – and her passion for chilli

For the interior designer and socialite good taste is everything and being boring a sin. He's also the last person you'd expect to fancy the leader of the Labour party. Elizabeth Day tries not to be vulgar or dull

Britain's best-known restaurant critic is a stickler for the finer details of eating out - such as making sure he gets his favourite table. So what happened when Britain's top interviewer took Michael Winner to lunch?